A former barrister has been jailed for 2 years for leaving ‘creepy’ and ‘sexually intimidating’ voicemail messages on a the mobile phone of a younger colleague.

50-year-old Paul McLoughlin of North Circular Road has been told to stay away from his victim 30-year-old Lorcan Staines for 15 years when he gets out of prison.

Mr. McLoughlin contested the harassment charges until 2 days into his trial when he changed his plea to guilty.

The jury had by then heard evidence from a visibly upset Lorcan Staines and had heard 62 recordings of what he called the ‘creepy’ voicemail messages he received between 2006 and 2010.

They said things like “I want you to be my boyfriend”and” and “You are not available to take my calls, but you are available to play with my emotions”.

Judge Patricia Ryan today noted the late plea of Paul McLoughlin and that he continued to harass the younger barrister after the bar council was notified after Gardaí warned him and even following his arrest.

The 50-year-old who has a history of child abuse and an alcohol problem has apologised for the stress he caused.

He’s been given a 3 year sentence with the final 12 months suspended.